Chinese quarry firm pays compensation after boy's death in Abuja

The tragic death of a six-year-old boy, Kao, in Abuja has brought to light the devastating consequences of unchecked quarry operations. Dai Jin Investment Limited, a Chinese company, has reportedly paid N4.3 million in compensation to the family of the young boy who was killed by a stone falling from their quarry. While this compensation is a step towards acknowledging the loss, it cannot replace the life of Kao, the youngest child of a Fulani herder family. The incident, which occurred on February 27, saw the boy playing under a mango tree when a stone, allegedly dislodged during blasting at the quarry, struck him. Relatives recount the horrific scene, with the stone reportedly causing fatal head injuries. The family, who had resided in the Aco Estate area for about 15 years, has since relocated, unable to bear the painful memories. This incident has understandably raised significant safety concerns among residents, who fear for their lives and have appealed to the government for intervention. Some have even expressed a desire for the government to facilitate their relocation by compensating them for their properties, should the quarry operations continue. Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to get a comment from the company or Federal Capital Territory authorities were unsuccessful, leaving many questions about safety protocols and accountability unanswered.

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They (company) gave N4.3 million to the family, N4million to the father and mother for the loss of their child, and N300,000 to the kingdom.